The winter holidays are upon us guys. Even without adding COVID-19 to the mix, this season is already difficult enough to navigate for some due to many reasons:

  • you lost someone and you’re grieving;
  • you broke up with your boyfriend/partner;
  • extra costs that will be incurred because of Christmas food, drinks, gifts, and outfits;
  • LGBTQ+ people who have been kicked out of their homes and are alone and have no family or friends to celebrate it with;  
  • LGBTQ+ people who have to go home to their family wherein some members don’t accept them because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Celebrations this year, however, is particularly challenging—more so than usual because of the loneliness and social isolation brought about by COVID-19. Because of this, CDC has recently released a winter holiday and celebration safety guidance to help us celebrate and connect with our families while keeping everyone’s safety in mind. Take a look at some of their suggestions below:

  • Holiday travel is not advised as travel increases our chances of spreading and acquiring COVID-19;
  • Celebrate winter holidays with your household members only;
  • Skip parties and social gatherings with others outside of your household;
  • Have a Christmas and New Year dinner with the members of your household only;
  • If you are living alone, you can send your care packages and gifts to your friends and loved ones and open them together through a video call; 
  • Alternatively, you can host a virtual celebration and eat a meal together with your friends and family virtually;
  • Help, volunteer your services in virtual ways, or donate to shelters that serve LGBTQ+ homeless people in the US. Please check this link for the list of LGBT organizations by state.
  • Read the CDC’s guidance for winter holidays in full here.

Having said all that, what’s your plan for winter holidays this year, guys? Did you already decorate your house for Christmas? Share with us your thoughts and stories in the comments section below!

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